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A scar is a result of the body's healing response and replacing lost or damaged skin. Scars may be formed for many different reasons, including as a result of infections, surgery, injuries or inflammation of tissue.
What is it?
During the wound healing process, your body creates a collagen layer to seal the open wound. Following this, the skin around the wound gradually covers the collagen until the edges unite at the center, resulting in a scar. Our medical practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has a team of dedicated dermatologists who specialize in treating various types of scars such as hypertrophic, atrophic, keloid and contracture scars.
Hypertrophic scars are elevated from the skin's surface, a result of an overproduction of collagen. The raised scar remains within the confines of the original injury and can appear red and somewhat thick. Over time, as the scar ages, hypertrophic scars may lessen in appearance.
On the other hand, atrophic scars are indented rather than raised from the skin, occurring when the skin fails to generate new tissue. Acne is the primary cause of atrophic scars.
Keloid scars are a type of thick, prominent scar that continues to grow beyond the original scar or wound. They can develop following skin damage like a cut, burn, body piercing or even surgery. This exaggerated, thicker scar is a response to the body overproducing collagen, a protein found throughout the body. Individuals with darker skin are more prone to keloid scars. Unlike other scars, keloid scars do not naturally diminish over time.
Contracture scars are the result of extensive skin damage, such as burns. As they age, these scars tighten, which can restrict movement.
Before deciding on the most suitable treatment, one of our medical providers will assesses your scar to determine its type, how long it's been present, and to ensure there are no indications of other issues like skin cancer.
How is it treated?
Most scar conditions can typically be identified through a visual examination of the skin. Occasionally we encounter other skin conditions that may initially resemble a type of scar. To accurately diagnose your scar, we may conduct a skin biopsy for microscopic analysis in our laboratory. Once the scar is definitively diagnosed, we offer several treatment options, including surgical scar revision, steroid injections or creams, silicone dressings or gels, laser therapy,and cryotherapy. Arrange a consultation with one of our experienced providers in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.